Time travel is my most favorite movie genre, so much so that if I'd get a chance to make only one movie, then it'll definitely be in this genre. What is incredible about this genre is that it taps into the desire of people who wonder how great it would be if it were possible for them to change just one event in their past and how rosy their future could be, as a result. In fact, this general thought is the central theme of most of the movies described below.
1. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
An incredible movie, to say the least. The first time I saw it, I cried at one point. I have never, ever cried watching a movie before, so, in a way, this movie is very close to my heart. The film follows the life of a Evan (Ashton Kutcher), who blocks out harmful memories of significant events of his life. As he grows up, he finds a way to remember these lost memories and a supernatural way to alter his life. The central theme of this movie is how by altering one event of his past, the entire future of Evan changes. He keeps changing events of his past hoping that he can attain a perfect future. But, to his dismay, he realizes that no matter how hard he tries, things only get worse. Ashton Kutcher, as Evan, plays his career-best role in this movie.The story has brilliant screenplay and direction ad every scene is important and contributes to the central theme of the movie. The movie needs 2 viewings, at least to be appreciated of its beauty. If you haven't watched it yet, go get ready for a mind blowing experience.
P.S.: The Director's Cut has a better climax than the original, so watch that version, if possible.
2. Back to the Future (Series)
Who doesn't love this movie?Among the best comedies of Steven Speilberg, this movie - in fact, the entire series - is one that has stood the test of time and it doesn't bore you, how many ever times you watch it. Neat casting, crisp dialogues and an entertaining screenplay makes 'Back to the Future' a super movie-watching experience. In my view, the third part is the best - in terms of entertainment quotient - closely followed by the first and second parts in that order. I am sure everyone is aware of the story and it needs no mentioning. Watch it for its rollicking screenplay!
3. 12 Monkeys (1995)
You can be excused for getting shocked at watching Brad Pitt playing second fiddle to Bruce Willis in this awesome time travel flick. Because I was, too! But I guess Brad Pitt playing such a role was essential in maintaining the suspense and the twist in the climax.For those who haven't watched this movie yet, the story is set in a futuristic world, where a deadly virus has has almost caused an extinction of the human race and whatever humans are left are forced to take refuge underground. Using a time machine, they send Bruce Willis back in time to that period when the virus first broke out to find out a possible solution to find a cure for the virus. You keep guessing and wondering the reason for his periodic flashes but only at the end is the true reason revealed and you are like 'Oh, why didn't I think of that!'. This movie is of that type of time travel movies that stress that it is impossible to change what has happened in the past, no matter how hard you try. Anyways, behold an interesting experience!
4. Triangle (2009)
It is difficult to explain this movie, really. And the end of the movie, you are so immersed into it that you want a sequel, explaining the loose ends and finally showing you the fate of Jess (Melissa George) and her son. The story revolves around the passengers of a yachting trip in the Atlantic Ocean who, when struck by mysterious weather conditions, jump to another ship only to experience greater havoc on the open seas.How it is different from all other time travel stories is that this story is that of a loop in time - a loop with three cycles that keep repeating. Jess gets on a ship with her co passengers and must kill all of them to make the cycle repeat. Only if the cycle repeats can she try and warn their co passengers in the yacht (from her past) to again not get back to that ship. The movie needs 2 or 3 viewings to be understood completely but it is interesting enough to keep you hooked even for the second or third time. Watch it for a whirlwind experience!
5. Groundhog Day (1993)
The thing about Groundhog Day is that it has its heart in the right place. A weatherman is sent to a small town in Pennsylvenia to cover a famous event where the 'rat' predicts whether there will be an early spring that year, where he experiences the same day again and again till he finally spends a perfect day, helping others and thus helping himself stop the cycle. Phil (Bill Murray), as the reluctant weatherman, delivers a splendid performance. This is one movie you can watch with your family, laugh and cry and fall in love with, instantly. The striking thing about this movie is its honesty in characterization. Each character is very well etched and they stay true to their selves. Even thee transformation in Phil is shown in a very believable way. What are you waiting for! Go watch it, if you haven't yet!
6. Timecrimes (Los cronocrÃmenes) (2007)
I only recently saw this movie after becoming a (self-proclaimed) expert in time travel movies. So, most of the twists were predictable to me, but, could still surprise an amateur to this genre. But what was most impressive about this movie was that its climax had a shocking revalation - unlike any other time travel movie that I have come across. I was as shocked as I was surprised with the climax, which also explains the title of the film. Watch it for an entertaining experience!
7. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
I didn't like the first part as much and the third part was just okay. But its the second part that steals the 7th place hands down. The cyborg (Arnold Schwarzenegger) who once tried to kill Sarah Connor in the first installment must now protect her teenage son, John Connor, from an even more powerful and advanced Terminator.The master stroke in this movie was when the villain was made the good guy. This is one of the rare set of movies where the second part is even better than the first (only Munnabhai and Night at the Museum comes to my mind). Most people would have watched it already. But its such a classic that another viewing will still entertain..!
8. Frequency (2000)
Thankfully, in this movie, unlike many other time travel movies with the 'past can never be altered' rigidness, the past can be altered but with certain consequences. An accidental cross-time radio link connects father and son across 30 years. The son tries to save his father's life, but then must fix the consequences. Whether he manages to fix those or not then forms the rest of the story. The movie mixes time travel with a serial killer case and moves at a frantic pace. The story has a decent suspense maintained through out its run length, and the tension towards the end is unbearable. If you are game for a decent suspense drama, watch this one..!
9. Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel (2009)
Comedy in time travel is a very under explored genre. Other than the 'Back to the Future' series, it is difficult to think of any other full fledged time travel comedy.In comes 'Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel' to fill the void. It is almost a more sensible remake of 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure', where people from future (here, it is Anna Faris of 'Scary Movie' fame) come to the present to help to-be-famous geeks reach their destiny. But, this movie is certainly more fun than the Bill and Ted movies and has a more logical (I mean the time-travel logic) and plausible story. If you wanna laugh with your friends and laugh hard, this is the movie to watch!
10. The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)
I am not a big fan of romantic movies, but time travel combined with romance somehow seems to get me on a high! The story is a romantic drama about a Chicago librarian Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana), with a gene that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and the complications it creates for his marriage with his wife Claire (Rachel McAdams).Perfect casting is the main plus of this movie. Whether it is his early 20s or late 30s, Eric Bana looks and plays his role perfectly. The love affair between the two is brilliantly portrayed. Guess Rachel McAdams is an expert at these kind of roles (remember 'Notebook'?). Based on a novel of the same name, the movie evokes a lot of emotions, that only a time travel movie can. If you are a romantic, make sure you catch this flick!
Coming soon: Movies 11 to 20 in this list!
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